SCO summit’s focus on climate change and environmental strategies

The 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, taking place in Islamabad, is poised to spotlight climate change and environmental protection as crucial elements of regional cooperation. Amid escalating climate crises and their socio-economic ramifications, member states of the SCO are increasingly recognising the urgent need for collective action to combat global warming and promote sustainable development.

Climate change poses serious threat to the economies and ecosystems of the SCO member states. In 2023, the IPCC reported that global temperatures had already risen by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, emphasising the urgency for countries to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This global benchmark serves as a critical goal for SCO member states as they strategise their environmental policies and initiatives during the summit.

The 2024 SCO Summit will feature discussions focused on several key strategies for addressing climate change:

Strengthening multilateral cooperation: The SCO aims to foster collaborative efforts among member states in sharing best practices, technology transfer, and financial resources to combat climate change. The collective strength of the SCO, which encompasses nearly 44% of the world's population and significant portions of the global economy, can lead to impactful regional initiatives.

Promotion of renewable energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources is central to the SCO's climate strategy. Member states are expected to share experiences in harnessing solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. For instance, China, the world's largest producer of solar panels, can assist Central Asian countries in establishing solar energy farms. Reports from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) indicate that transitioning to renewable energy could potentially provide 24 million jobs globally by 2030.

Disaster risk reduction: Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of natural disasters. The SCO will discuss frameworks for disaster risk reduction, emphasising the need for early warning systems, disaster response strategies, and community resilience programs. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) emphasises that investing in disaster risk reduction can save lives and reduce economic losses.

Water resource management: Water scarcity is a pressing issue in many SCO member states. Collaborative efforts to manage transboundary water resources will be a significant point of discussion. With rivers like the Amu Darya and Syr Darya flowing through Central Asia, effective management strategies are essential for ensuring water security. According to the World Bank, water scarcity affects 1.7 billion people worldwide, with Central Asia facing significant challenges.

Biodiversity conservation: Protecting biodiversity is critical for maintaining ecological balance. The SCO is expected to address initiatives aimed at preserving natural habitats, combating deforestation, and enhancing ecosystem resilience. Recent reports indicate that biodiversity loss could cost the global economy up to $423 billion annually by 2030.

While the SCO member states are preparing to address climate change at the summit, there are several collective actions that need to be prioritised:

Establishment of a regional climate fund: Member states can benefit from the creation of a dedicated fund aimed at financing climate-related projects, especially in developing countries within the SCO. This fund could support initiatives in renewable energy, infrastructure resilience, and disaster preparedness.

Setting common climate goals: Aligning national climate action plans with a shared vision for the SCO region could amplify the impact of individual countries' efforts. Establishing common targets, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by a specific percentage, can foster accountability among member states.

Public awareness and education: Raising awareness about climate change and its impacts is crucial. The SCO should encourage member states to implement educational programs that inform citizens about sustainable practices, climate adaptation strategies, and environmental stewardship.

Integration of climate policies into economic planning: member states must incorporate climate considerations into their national economic strategies.

At the 2024 SCO Summit, the emphasis on climate change and environmental strategies reflects a broader recognition of the interconnectedness of security, economics, and environmental sustainability.

Member states must seize this opportunity to develop a robust framework for climate action that resonates with the SCO's overarching goals of peace, stability, and economic prosperity.